Rico Verhoeven has extended his world heavyweight title. The kickboxer from Halsteren was a size too big for his challenger, Tariq ‘Cookie’ Osaro, on Saturday evening. He won on points and successfully defended his world heavyweight title for the eleventh time. The fight took place in the GelreDome in Arnhem.
It was the first time in two years that 34-year-old Verhoeven was in the ring for kickboxing organization Glory. The absence was the result of a serious knee injury and his acting ambitions.
His opponent from Amersfoort started the match with much more rhythm. The former footballer of amateur club Roda ’46 in Leusden has played ten times in the past two years. “That might be a little advantage for him,” said ‘The King of Kickboxing’ a few days before their fight.
In the first round both seemed to have to get going. There was even some disapproving whistling from some of the 20,000 spectators. Truly spectacular kickboxing could not exactly be enjoyed in the second and third rounds. Osara was the challenger, but he kept a low profile for a long time, perhaps too long. Verhoeven took a few blows, but his title was never actually in danger, not even in the remaining round. Without being convincing, the kickboxer from Halsteren recorded his 22nd victory.
The audience was actually the big loser of the match that lasted more than 20 minutes, which had expected much more blood, sweat and tears.
Verhoeven, uninterrupted world champion since 2014, couldn’t be bothered: “Ten months ago I didn’t know if I would ever fight again,” said the world champion after his match. “It was a tough time with an operation. And now I’m here, retaining the title. Did it seem easy? That’s nice to hear.”
Verhoeven was active in the ring. “We have worked hard on that. It is getting better and better. Now I want to enjoy this victory and then go back to the drawing board and see what can be improved. I don’t know what the future holds. I leave it to Glory.”